Anand says Canada supports LGBTQ+ rights despite Ottawa’s silence on Turkey crackdown

OTTAWA – Canada has kept silent on Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups as it seeks a trade deal, but Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says that should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for oppressed people.

The Carney government did not join Germany, France and other countries last week in condemning Ankara for raiding multiple LGBTQ+ organizations and detaining hundreds of activists.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek has said this was done to “protect children, the institution of the family, and public order.”

Authorities have since dispersed protests against the raids and banned access to numerous social media accounts, despite the fact that same-sex activity is not illegal in Turkey.

Global Affairs Canada has made no public comment on the matter. Last week, the department replied to a media request by saying it supports democracy and minorities — without specifically naming Turkey.

Anand also did not name Turkey when responding to questions about Canada’s stance.

“It is routine for countries to come together to make joint statements. The fact that we weren’t on that joint statement should not be taken, at all, as a sign that we do not stand with the LGBTQ2I+ community,” she told reporters Friday.

“Our position is clear. It has not changed, and Prime Minister (Mark) Carney, at his level, has also been clear on this point.”

Carney has said he is limiting the government’s public criticism on human rights in places such as China and Saudi Arabia. In a July visit to Ankara, Carney announced the launch of negotiations with Turkey on a free-trade deal.

The Dignity Network, a coalition of Canadian organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights abroad, said its contacts in Turkey want Canada to speak up.

“Partners are asked to raise the issue with Turkish authorities bilaterally and in multilateral forums, through formal letters and meetings, and to state clearly that the detention and prosecution of human-rights defenders for their legitimate activities is unacceptable,” the Dignity Network said in an analysis note it published last week.

“Turkish organizations have called for such interventions to be taken up widely and persistently — and have asked that pressure on civil society be taken into account in wider political and economic relations with Türkiye, stating that trade considerations should not take precedence at this point.”

The Parliamentary Pride Caucus, a group of MPs and senators across party lines, has called on Turkey to end persecution and release those detained for using their freedom of speech.

“Everyone deserves to live openly, safely and with dignity and without fear,” says a statement issued by the caucus, which did not make any demands of the Carney government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2026.